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Posted Aug 5, 2009 - 12:04 PM
WAFL supporters are fuming after Peel ruckman Zac Beeck copped just a three match suspension for striking South Fremantle’s Jaymie Graham in his side’s embarrassing 102-point loss at Anniversary Park last Saturday.
The 27-year-old has the worst tribunal wrap sheet in the competition, and was even threatened with de-registration by the league for being reported three times in just one season.
Beeck managed to escape suspension earlier this season even after being found guilty for striking the Royals’ Jeremy Humm, but was given a reprimand.
Senior WAFL writer Chris Pike has labelled the current tribunal system a joke.
“The WAFL tribunal has had a bad year and much of it is due to not taking any charge seriously unless there is clear video footage. Apparently, medical evidence and eye-witness accounts are not enough for suspensions to be upheld,†he writes.
Subiaco’s Brad Smith was also let off following an off-the-ball incident where an East Perth opponent required medical attention after allegedly being struck by Smith.
“The WAFL would be much better off setting up a panel of one former player, umpire and a league official to watch footage of each match, decide if there is anything reportable and then have a system in place for an automatic penalty.â€
But according to Pike, it seems many investigations are withdrawn before ever going to the judiciary. He believes initial penalties offered by the panel are redundant as they rarely coincide with what the actual tribunal hands down.
